Stephen Colbert opens up about the sudden cancellation of The Late Show, reflecting on his struggles with anxiety, past breakdowns, and coping mechanisms, expressing sadness over the ending while sharing cautious excitement and curiosity about his next creative ventures.

Stephen Colbert, the 60-year-old late-night icon, has opened up about the abrupt cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and shared his plans for the future in a candid interview with GQ for their ‘Men of the Year’ issue.

Colbert, who has been the face of CBS’s flagship late-night program since 2015, described the moment he learned about the cancellation as “utterly surreal,” revealing that he received the news in early September 2025 during a phone call at his Manhattan apartment.

“There’s no perfect way to hear something like that,” Colbert said.

“It felt like being told your home, where you’ve built something meaningful over a decade, was suddenly being taken away.”

Despite the shock, Colbert emphasized that his primary focus is on concluding the show gracefully.

“I want the final episodes to honor not only the audience but every single crew member, writer, and producer who poured their heart into this show,” he said.

While CBS has kept the details of the finale tightly under wraps, sources close to the production hint that Colbert is planning special surprise guests and segments that pay homage to some of the show’s most iconic moments.

“It’s about celebrating the energy, humor, and honesty that we’ve shared every night,” he added.

Colbert also reflected on his future beyond the show.

“I’ve always been curious about what else I could do creatively,” he said.

“This is an opportunity to challenge myself in ways I haven’t before.

Whether it’s scripted comedy, directing, or political storytelling, I want to explore projects that excite me and allow me to grow.

” While the comedian remained tight-lipped about specific projects, insiders suggest that Colbert is considering ventures in streaming content, documentaries, and even stage performances, hinting at a potential reinvention that could surprise fans and industry insiders alike.

The interview offered a rare glimpse into Colbert’s personal life, including struggles he faced while growing up and throughout his career.

He spoke openly about battling anxiety, which he said often intensified under the pressures of performing and public scrutiny.

“There were times when I didn’t know how to cope,” he admitted.

“I experimented with marijuana as a way to calm myself, but ultimately, I realized it was about learning healthier ways to manage my mind and body.

” Colbert also shared that he experienced a nervous breakdown in his younger years, a turning point that reshaped his approach to both work and personal life.

“It was a wake-up call,” he said.

“I realized that without taking care of myself, I couldn’t sustain a meaningful career or a happy life.”

Family has been a cornerstone of Colbert’s resilience.

He has been married to actress and producer Evelyn McGee-Colbert for more than twenty years, frequently citing her steady support as critical to navigating both professional pressures and personal challenges.

“Evelyn has always been my anchor,” Colbert explained.

“Her support has allowed me to take risks, learn from my mistakes, and keep moving forward, even in the hardest moments.

” Colbert also credited his writing and production teams for helping him transform personal experiences into sharp, thoughtful comedy, enabling him to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Colbert’s reflections underscore both the end of an era and the promise of new beginnings.

His tenure on The Late Show was marked by incisive political commentary, satire, and a willingness to tackle both national and global issues with humor and insight.

He expressed a mixture of sadness and excitement as he prepares to close this chapter, acknowledging that endings often come with opportunities.

“I see this not just as a conclusion, but as a chance to explore new stories, formats, and ways to engage with people,” he said.

“There’s so much more I want to do, and I’m thrilled by the possibilities ahead.”

As Colbert prepares for the show’s final episodes, fans can expect a mix of nostalgia, heartfelt moments, and unexpected surprises.

From surprise celebrity appearances to reflective segments on the show’s most memorable moments, the finale promises to celebrate a decade of late-night history while offering glimpses of what’s to come.

Colbert’s journey from a young correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart to a late-night icon navigating career upheaval illustrates resilience, creativity, and the power of reinvention.

With the curtain closing on The Late Show, the public is left to wonder about Colbert’s next move.

Whether he pursues directing, scripted comedy, or an entirely new venture, his openness about personal struggles and professional aspirations ensures that whatever comes next will be closely watched and widely anticipated.

In reflecting on his career, Colbert emphasizes that endings are merely the start of new opportunities, proving that even in moments of uncertainty, creativity and reinvention await.